New heat strips were installed on a Goodman package h.p. and the strips were not working. There was 240v going to the strips and 24v to and from the t-stat. What could be the problem?

Open limit on the strips?

No, it is a closed limit. They are brand new and are wired according to the schematic.

If you truly have 240 on the strips, they should heat unless they are open. What have you actually checked with a meter?

To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.